£2.2m affordable housing development in York welcomes first residents » Housing » 24dash.com

A £2.2m housing development providing affordable homes for York people has officially welcomed its first residents.

New tenants joined staff and board members from York Housing Association, City of York Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), to celebrate the new homes at Poppleton Gate, which for some tenants are a lifeline.

“It is like a fairytale to us,” said Sean Gyte (pictured), who has moved into one of the two-bedroom flats with his partner Beth and their baby, Aiden, who was born last month. “Six months ago we were living in homeless accommodation in Ordnance Lane, expecting a baby and worrying about the future.

“Now we are settled in a lovely home, are engaged to be married and have a lovely baby. All we have to do is get the carpets and curtains!”

Consisting of 14 flats and five town houses, the development is the result of York Housing Association’s on-going commitment to provide more affordable rented family accommodation in the city.

The flats and houses have been designed and built to the highest standards in line with the Association’s policy of creating places where people want to live and enjoy a good quality of life.

“We are delighted that we can offer a home and a new start to families in need of accommodation,” said Christine Storrs, Chief Executive for the Association.

“Our aim has been to replace outdated accommodation with attractive homes that are tailor-made for families.”

New residents attended a celebratory lunch and the official unveiling of the name plaque.

Amanda Wheeler has moved into a three-bedroom house at the development with her daughter Shannon, 14, and her son, Joe, 13 following a family break-up.

“We had been living at my mum’s house since January and Joe and Shannon had to share the front room,” said Amanda. “Now, they can have their own room , which is great for them growing up.”

“I feel so lucky to have my own home again. The kitchen is modern, with enough room for a dining table and there is lots of storage throughout the house.”

Designed by local architects Crease Strickland Parkins, the development replaces existing outdated and mostly single person accommodation at Poppleton Gate House, Millgates.

Following the demolition of the existing building, construction of the new properties by Simpson (York) Ltd., began last November. The Government’s Homes and Communities Agency has provided £1 million from the 2008-11 National Affordable Housing Programme towards the cost of the scheme.

David Curtis, regional Director for the HCA in Yorkshire and Humber added: “Poppleton Gate has been significant in providing much needed affordable homes for local people and its great to see the first residents now moving in.

“The funding provided by the HCA to community focused projects such as Poppleton Gate is integral to its overall strategy of creating thriving communities.

“The HCA’s ultimate aim is to create place people enjoy living in and the completion of affordable housing which offers a new start to families is a great way of achieving this.”